Podcast Title: Nonprofit Lowdown
Episode: #339 - Stepping Into Consulting with Amber Buck Hamilton
Host: Rhea Wong
Guest: Amber Buck Hamilton
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In episode #339 of Nonprofit Lowdown, host Rhea Wong engages in an insightful conversation with Amber Buck Hamilton, a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser and the founder of Fig Leaf Development. Amber shares her journey from being a dedicated fundraising professional to establishing her own consulting firm, offering valuable lessons for those considering a similar path.
Amber's Background and Transition into Consulting
Amber begins by recounting her passion for fundraising, ignited during an internship with the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Paired with an inspiring fundraiser, she realized her aptitude for securing funds and communicating an organization’s mission effectively.
“This is a job. This is something I can do. I can talk to people about organizations and why they're meaningful.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [02:33]
Her decision to transition into consulting was driven by a desire to balance her professional ambitions with family priorities. As a mother of three, Amber felt that stepping out of a full-time role would allow her more time with her children without sacrificing her passion for fundraising.
“I wanted to honor my family and honor myself, too.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [03:56]
Addressing Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector
The conversation delves into the prevalent issue of burnout among nonprofit professionals. Both Rhea and Amber highlight how unrealistic fundraising goals and inadequate support systems contribute to high turnover rates.
“7 out of 10 nonprofit people have said that they're actively looking for a new job.”
— Rhea Wong [06:03]
Amber emphasizes the importance of establishing robust structures and systems within organizations to support fundraisers effectively.
“When you step into an organization with such a high goal and expectation for fundraising, you need to have some structures and some systems in place.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [06:07]
Importance of Systems and Structures in Fundraising
Amber discusses how the absence of proper systems can lead to fundraisers feeling overwhelmed and disengaged. She advocates for thoughtful onboarding processes and clear expectations to ensure that new hires can perform optimally without being burdened by existing organizational chaos.
“You can onboard them thoughtfully. Make it clear, here's what you need to hit and do along the way.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [06:47]
Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Challenges
Stepping into consulting is portrayed as a significant leap, fraught with fears such as imposter syndrome and financial instability. Amber shares her personal struggles and the mental shift required to embrace entrepreneurship.
“I've been using this for 30 years. Then people will trust me to do the thing.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [12:57]
She also highlights the importance of having a support system, including a supportive partner and a strong professional network, to navigate the uncertainties of starting a business.
Building Confidence and Managing Fear
Rhea and Amber explore strategies to overcome the fear of failure and the anxiety of stepping out on one’s own. Amber underscores the necessity of self-coaching and building confidence through small, deliberate actions.
“I've been successful. Why can't I do this now?”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [12:58]
Additionally, Amber points out the value of community and mentorship in providing the necessary support during the entrepreneurial journey.
Practical Steps to Start a Consulting Business
The discussion transitions into actionable advice for aspiring consultants. Key steps include:
-
Experimentation:
Amber advises starting with side projects to test the waters without fully committing.“Let me just try. No one's saying that it has to be like fully in or fully out.”
— Rhea Wong [15:08] -
Gaining Confidence:
Building expertise through continuous learning and embracing the learning curve.“It's always going to be a little bit messy, a little confusing, and ups and downs.”
— Rhea Wong [16:00] -
Community Building:
Maintaining connections and seeking support from peers to prevent the isolation that can come with consulting.“Community build. Keep your community and make sure that you are staying connected with people.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [26:48] -
Developing a Financial Plan:
Creating a personal funding map to manage finances and alleviate fears related to inconsistent income.“I created literally my own funding map, I was what I have and what I'm projected to bring in for the end of the year.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [25:57] -
Consistency and Communication:
Being consistent in client interactions and maintaining clear, professional communication.“Be consistent in how you communicate with people because you're the one leading the meeting.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [30:39]
Valuable Lessons and Advice
Amber imparts two crucial lessons for budding consultants:
-
Build and Maintain Community:
A strong support network is essential to navigate the challenges of consulting without feeling isolated. -
Adopt an Abundance Mindset:
Embracing the belief that there are ample opportunities and that success is not a zero-sum game.“Keep that abundance mindset and center for yourself and align that with your values.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [27:28]
Rhea adds that mindset plays a more significant role than tactical strategies in achieving success, likening the entrepreneurial journey to solving a puzzle rather than facing personal failures.
“When you approach it with that kind of mentality, it's just a puzzle that you're solving.”
— Rhea Wong [27:37]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the conversation wraps up, Amber encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards consulting by defining their purpose, building a clear business model, and engaging with their network.
“Start talking to people. I'm doing this thing. And you'll be surprised how quickly things start to come and give you an opportunity to step out and do them.”
— Amber Buck Hamilton [29:30]
Rhea emphasizes the importance of execution over perfection, urging aspiring consultants to take the plunge despite uncertainties.
“Don't overthink things. Sometimes it can be messy. It's never going to go exactly the way that you planned.”
— Rhea Wong [30:03]
Connect with Amber Buck Hamilton
For those interested in seeking Amber's expertise in fundraising consultancy, you can reach her at:
Website: www.thinkleasedevelopment.com
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from nonprofit employment to consulting, providing actionable insights for nonprofits professionals contemplating similar moves.